Sunday, 28 September 2014

The Perks of Being A Wallflower (2012)Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Nina DobrevBased on the novel of the same name, The Perks of Being A Wallflower is a movie that I had heard so much hype about. When I mentioned on Instagram (link here) that I would be watching this movie I received a lot of different comments, varying from "meh it's ok" to "it's one of my top films." So this made me even more intrigued to press play that evening.After watching it I now feel like I sit right in the middle of the two aforementioned responses. It neither blew me away, to the point that it would be one of my favourite movies that I've ever seen, but it did still have quite a few redeeming qualities, ones which I did thoroughly enjoy. First of all, the acting is really rather impressive, especially when I hadn't seen many (if any) movies from some of the main actors in this. The only one I had seen perform before was Emma Watson but I didn't once think, oh look there's Hermoine from Harry Potter. And for me, Ezra Miller was the standout star of this movie. He completely stole the show in my opinion. I also absolutely adored the soundtrack of this movie. Any soundtrack that includes The Smiths, David Bowie and New Order is a winner for me. Oh and not to mention a bit of 'Come On Eileen' by Dexy's Midnight Runners. Some of it was undeniably a little cliche for me but that's probably inevitable when a movie revolves around a high school setting. I think we've all seen and experienced the classic high school tropes so many times that a lot of these high school movies feel rather samey. Even though I did fall right in the middle of the two responses from my instagram(that I mentioned above), I would happily watch this movie again.

Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013)Starring: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Barbara Hershey, Lin ShayeIf you read last month's 'What I've Been Watching' post (link here) then you will have seen that I watched Insidious in August. I obviously had to buy the Insidious DVD double pack, which included Insidious: Chapter 2 (it's also available to stream on Netflix too) so that I could see what happened next in the Insidious story and I was not left disappointed. I did worry that this would be another one of those horror movie sequels. You know the kind I'm talking about. They're never anywhere near as good as the original and sometimes they're barely watchable. This was not the case with Insidious: Chapter 2. Picking up exactly where Insidious left off, Chapter 2 transports us between the two movie time periods through the use of a multitude of flashbacks. Scenes that you didn't really dwell on in the first movie are given new meaning in Chapter 2. For that reason, I actually preferred Chapter 2 to the original Insidious movie, even though I did want to watch the first one again just so that I could appreciate the scenes that had been explained in Chapter 2.And it looks like Insidious will be getting a Chapter 3, to be released some time in 2015. Unlike the first two, this third foray into the Insidious story won't star Patrick Wilson or Rose Byrne, so it's safe to assume that the next movie will focus on a new family or perhaps the children once they have grown up. Rumours are circulating that the dreamy Dermot Mulroney will also be starring in the next movie. Even though nothing has actually been confirmed as of yet, I'm already pretty intrigued to see where they take the Insidious movies next.

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)Starring: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Daryl HannahMuch like Insidious, which I watched and reviewed last month (link here), before watching Chapter 2 this month, I just had to watch Kill Bill: Vol. 2 after watching Vol. 1 in the previous month. As much as I adore Vol. 1, Vol. 2 is definitely my favourite out of the two (it's pretty rare to find two sequels (Insidious: Chapter 2 and Kill Bill: Vol. 2) that I much prefer to the first movies). I think this might have something to do with the fact that the three remaining names on The Bride's (Uma Thurman) 'Death List Five' are three of my favourite characters (and deaths). There's Bill's brother Budd (Michael Madsen), the spectacular Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah) and of course there's Bill (David Carradine) himself.The scenes that are situated in and around Budd's trailer have to be some of my favourite of the entire movie. If you've seen the movie then you'll know which ones I'm talking about and if you haven't, then you'll just need to trust me. They are both wickedly entertaining and brutal in equal parts.You also ultimately find out a lot more about the characters in Vol. 2 when you compare it to Vol. 1 as well as discovering what actually happened in the wedding chapel that led to The Bride seeking her revenge in the first place. Of course if you're a fan of the first Kill Bill or Tarantino's work in general, then I'm sure that you will havealready seen this movie but if not, I would definitely recommend it.

Friday the 13th (2009)Starring: Jared Padalecki, Danielle Panabaker, Amanda Righetti, Travis Van WinkleIf you've read any of my previous 'What I've Been Watching' posts (link here) then you might be aware that I do like a good horror movie. This was on TV one night and I couldn't really be bothered to change the channel (how lazy do I sound? Hehe). Having never seen the original, I can't really compare this reboot to that but it is your typical teen horror movie in many ways. I'm not exactly the outdoorsy type but why on earth would you go to a cabin in the woods next to an abandoned summer camp where another group of teenagers have mysteriously disappeared?If you try to ignore that, Friday the 13th isn't the worst horror movie I've seen. However, it's not the best either. If you're looking for a teen slasher movie, similar to the Friday the 13th reboot, then I would definitely watch the Scream movies or I Know What You Did Last Summer instead. Fans of The Vampire Diaries (which I've actually never watched before) might want to watch this just for the fact that Jared Padalecki is in it. I was a big fan of him in House of Wax (which is a movie I can wholeheartedly recommend even just for the fact that Chad Michael Murray was in it when he was in his prime!) I think I may need to watch that next.

Silicon Valley (2014-)Starring: Thomas Middleditch, T.J. Miller, Josh Brener, Martin StarrCreated by Mike Judge (the man behind King of the Hill, Beavis & Butt-head and Office Space) Silicon Valley is a show based in Silicon Valley in California. It centres around a start-up company who are trying to create and develop a new app/program (can you tell I'm not particularly well versed in the world of computer programming? Hehe).I have to admit, as soon as I heard that Martin Starr (Bill Haverchuck forever) would be starring in this, I knew I had to check it out and I'm definitely glad that I did. Not only is this a really witty and enjoyable show but Martin Starr is also sporting a fine hairstyle and some pretty impressive muscles (oh yeah!) It might not be to everyone's taste in terms of humour but I've really enjoyed this first season as a whole. Let's just say it's far superior and funnier than The Internship, which I reviewed last month (review here), was and that was also set in the Silicon Valley and in the tech-startup world.My only complaint, which is my complaint with quite a few shows that have been created by HBO (I'm primarily talking about Girls here), is that there aren't enough episodes for me but that's not really a reason not to watch the show, now is it?Both Silicon Valley and the next show on my 'What I've Been Watching' list have both been picked up for a second season so I'm certainly excited for both of those.The 100 (2014-)Starring: Eliza Taylor, Thomas McDonell, Marie Avgeropoulos, Bob MorleyI have to admit it, even though this isn't the kind of show that I would normally watch, I'm completely hooked on The 100. First of all, the premise for this show is really rather interesting, even if I did initially compare it to The Hunger Games, which you quickly learn that it's not. Trying to sum it up in a couple of sentences is a little bit tricky but I'll give it my best go. After a nuclear war breaks out on Earth, the only individuals to survive are those who were orbiting the Earth at the time (ie. those on space stations). All survivors and their progeny now reside together on 'The Ark' (which is essentially just one giant space station). When 'The Ark's' oxygen systems begin to fail they are forced to come up with a solution to the problem of surviving on 'The Ark' now that oxygen levels are decreasing rapidly. 'The 100' is made up of individuals, all under the age of eighteen, who have committed a crime on board 'The Ark.' As they are seen as expendable, they are sent down to Earth to see if it is habitable or not, as that might be the only way for the residents of 'The Ark' to survive now. I told you it was tricky to sum it up briefly. All I can say is give it a watch if you can. It's pretty brutal (a lot more so than I would have expected it to be) and has constantly surprised me thus far.

What have you been watching this month? Do you have any recommendations? Have you seen any of these? If so, what did you think of them?

Sunday, 21 September 2014

Nails Inc Electric Lane Holographic Top Coat £11Despite my nail polish collection being rather expansive (this photograph only shows about two thirds of it (link here)) I do tend to neglect the wide variety of top coats that I've accumulated over the years and have at my disposal. I'm pretty sure it has something to with my sheer laziness but for some reason or another they are rarely the first thing that I pick out when I'm painting my nails. I know that I very rarely wear an exciting top coat in the summertime and I think the only top coat I've ever worn in the spring was one that aimed to make your nails look like Mini Eggs (oh how I miss Mini Eggs!) But as soon as the seasons shift from the sunshine and warmth of spring/summer (who am I kidding? I live in Scotland! Hehe.) I find myself gravitating towards the glitter top coats that I own in particular, as well as lusting after all the new top coat releases.

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Whilst I've already shared some of my hand luggage essentials as part of my Summer Sun-days series (link here), as I started to pack my carry on bag this week I realised that there were a few items that I'd failed to include and that I'd forgotten to purchase for my impending holiday. So here's what I've made sure to add to my carry on bag and hopefully they will keep me comfortable and occupied on my upcoming long haul flights. As I'm flying with Virgin Atlantic, I already know that I won't need to worry too much about in-flight entertainment since they have a fantastic array of movies, TV shows, music and games to keep me busy. I may have already planned what I'm going to be watching on both flights. Hehe. At the moment I'm thinking The Grand Budapest Hotel, X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Wolf of Wall Street (depending on how much time I have left), 22 Jump Street, Godzilla, potentially A Fault In Our Stars (or will I end up a crying mess with this one?), Dawn of The Planet of The Apesand Bad Neighbours. What ones do you think I should watch? Have you seen any of them?

I will be heading to the US very soon and it's safe to say I have quite a few things that I want to see if I can pick up whilst I'm there. I'm also going to try and stock up on some winter essentials, which I'm hoping will be considerably cheaper over in the US, such as a good pair of winter boots and maybe a coat too. In addition to that, I'll also be on the lookout for Christmas presents as well. A holiday isn't a holiday unless you spend a considerable chunk of it shopping, is it? Hehe.

Friday, 12 September 2014

Models Own Diamond Luxe Nail Polishes* - £4.99(From left to right: Heart Red, Emerald Green and Princess Pink)
I think it's pretty well documented that I'm a big fan of nail polishes. It's the one beauty product that I get the most excited by and when I see a fantastic collection, like the one that I will be discussing today, I really do feel my heart do a little flutter. The Diamond Luxe collection from Models Own has to be the one nail polish collection that I've been the most eager to get my hands (and nails) on this year and I hope you can see why. Consisting of ten brand new polishes, the Diamond Luxe collection has a very unique selling point and a formulation that really does live up to it's name. Each of the Diamond Luxe polishes contain real Diamond Dust. Now how magnificent is that?

Wednesday, 10 September 2014

When I was given the incredible opportunity to try out this month's Degustabox, I didn't need to think twice about saying yes. A box filled with fantastic food offerings, delivered straight to my door; I was already sold. Unlike the frankly disappointing beauty boxes that I've signed up for (and then quickly cancelled) in the past, the Degustabox is a whole different story and takes subscription boxes to another level.

When this surprise box of goodies arrived on my doorstep it felt like Christmas morning, even though it was early September. Not only was the box beautifully packaged but the surprise element leaves you in eager anticipation. And I was certainly not disappointed.

Sunday, 7 September 2014

The Body Shop All-In-One™ Instablur™ Eye Conceal & Enhance Eye Primer* £10As you might remember, I fell head over heels in love with The Body Shop's All-In-One™ Instablur™ (review here), so when I found out that The Body Shop would be releasing an Instablur™ product specifically designed with the eye area in mind, I was already on board. Whilst this isn't officially released in store or online until September the 17th (ie. a week on Wednesday), I just couldn't wait to share this brand new product with you. It's definitely one to keep your eyes peeled for on it's release.

Recently I've found myself gravitating more and more towards beauty products that are a little pricey (to say the least). After trying some fantastic luxury beauty products (you can see the majority of these in my Summer Sun-days: Luxury Make-up post (link here)) I have to admit, in some cases, you really do get what you pay for. However, every time I've found myself fawning over a luxury beauty product it feels so unnatural to me, like I'm going against my bargain hunting instincts; until now.If you're looking for luxury beauty but don't want to spend an arm and a leg to own those particular products, then you have to get yourself acquainted with Unineed (link to website here). There are so many incredible bargains to be found on a whole host of products. I've included some of my favourite products above, as well as some of the biggest savings that Unineed have to offer. And there are even more brands to be found on Unineed, including Nuxe, Clarins, Chanel and more, all of which have discounts aplenty. I know that it's now the only place that I'll be getting my Macadamia fix from.

So what do you think of the products that I've featured above and the amazing savings that Unineed have on these products? Have you ever bought anything from Unineed? If so, what great deals and products did you treat yourself to? If not, what do you think of the brands that they have to offer and the discounts that you can get?

Wednesday, 3 September 2014

One of my most used beauty products has to be my Stylfile S-file. If you saw my Stylfile Nailcare Collection blog post, back in April, then you might remember just how much love I have for the Stylfile brand (review here). If, like me, you have a penchant for nail polish or like to keep your nails in tip top condition, a good nail file is an absolute necessity. And it just so happens that the S-file, as well as the rest of the Stylfile range, aren't just good, they are pretty much unbeatable when it comes to quality and innovation, for me. So when I heard that there would be a new addition to the Styfile range I couldn't wait to see what product Tom Pellereau (he will always be Inventor Tom to me) would come up with next. Just when you think that one of your favourite products, this time the S-file, couldn't get any better, along comes the Stylfile 2.

So what do you think of the transformation? And will you be checking out my Beauty at Tesco feature? Be sure to leave a comment letting me know what you think of it, if you do. Have you been meaning to take a trip to the hairdressers recently? And if so, what would you get done?

Ellis Tuesday is a beauty, fashion & lifestyle blog brought to you by Ellis, a self confessed shopaholic from Scotland with an overwhelming stash of beauty products and a love for all things leopard print.